KATIMA MULILO - The Swapo Regional Executive Committee of Zambezi region has suspended its coordinator Moffat Sileze over allegations of missing party funds amounting to N$47 000. 

The committee revealed this during a media briefing yesterday.

“His suspension resulted from accounted funds that went missing from the regional operational account. The purpose of the suspension is to allow investigations to take place. Sileze remains innocent until proven guilty by authorised established organs legally allowed to deal with misconduct cases,” said regional information and mobilisation officer Dorothy Kabula.

She added that the details of the suspension were already communicated in writing to Sileze.

Kabula however refused to answer further questions about the suspension, and whether the national leadership is aware of this decision. 

She simply stated, “It is an internal matter.”

Sileze confirmed receiving the letter, saying he had refused to sign it. 

“I received the letter just for the sake of receiving it, but I refused to sign it. The regional executive committee has no power to suspend me that power lies with the politburo. They can only recommend to the politburo, and only after investigations have been done can the politburo suspend me,” he said.

Sileze further refuses to vacate the office. 

“They asked me to give them the office keys and date stamp. I refused. I want to assure all the Swapo members that I am still the Swapo regional coordinator,” he stated.

Contacted for comment, Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa confirmed that she was aware of the suspension.

“I am aware but not in detail because I don’t have anything in writing. I am still waiting for the written details,” she said in brief.

*Aron Mushaukwa is an information officer for the MICT in the Zambezi region.